1966 Topps Batman Black Bat Trading Cards

In 1966, Topps got a big case of Bat-mania, producing several sets in a row. The franchise was hugely popular, thanks in large part to the mega-hit TV show starring Adam West and Burt Ward. 1966 Topps Batman Black Bat is one of five Caped Crusader sets made by the company that year.

The 55-card checklist includes painted artwork from Norman Saunders, a hobby icon who also painted several other trading card sets including 1962 Topps Mars Attacks. Saunders is also known for his detailed work in pulp magazines, book covers and commercial ads. Much of the set sees Batman and Robin fighting some of the franchise's most notorious villains, like the Joker, Catwoman, the Riddler and Penguin. The images do a good job of showing lots of action, not to mention interesting gadgets.

The orange card backs have an extensive write-up. The right side of the card shows Batman running forward, similar to what's shown in the animated opening credits of the TV show. The top left corner has a Batman logo with the number.

1966 Topps Batman Black Bat gets its name from logo on the front that has the card's caption. Several of the Topps Batman sets have similar designs and can be tricky to tell apart at first glance. That is why many refer to the different colored logos.

The set was reprinted by Topps in 1989 as a part of a box set that came with the two other pulp-style 1966 Topps Batman sets. These cards have a glossy finish and are clearly marked as reprints.

Ryan Cracknell | E-Mail AuthorRyan is a former member of The Cardboard Connection Writing Staff.
His collecting origins began with winter bike rides to the corner store, tossing a couple of quarters onto the counter and peddling home with a couple packs of O-Pee-Chee hockey in his pocket. Today, he continues to build sets, go after inserts with cool technologies, chase Montreal Expos and finish off his John Jaha master collection.

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